Case Study: Rodney

Helping Rodney find calm, comfort and confidence

Rodney welcomed me into his home with a wagging tail and a friendly curiosity that set the tone for a deeply engaging 90-minute session. From the very beginning, he showed a keen interest in the herbs and botanicals, happily investigating them even while his mum stepped out of the room — a lovely indication of his confidence and trust.

Rodney’s main challenges centred around emotional sensitivity and reactivity, which can cause him to become vocal or stand his ground in situations he finds uncomfortable. There were also physical concerns we wanted to explore, particularly discomfort in his left hind leg and recent anal gland issues.

As the session unfolded, Rodney confidently led the process. He selected calendula, spirulina and rosehip from the herbal offerings — botanicals often chosen to support inflammation, skin and immune health, emotional comfort and recovery from strain or injury. His playful yet purposeful engagement with calendula, in particular, suggested both physical and soothing emotional support, while his choices consistently reflected awareness of his own body and needs.

Throughout the session, Rodney repeatedly indicated his hind leg and lower body, guiding the focus of the work. When we moved on to essential oils, his responses became even clearer. German chamomile emerged as a strong preference, with Rodney spending extended time inhaling it and clearly referencing his back leg — a powerful example of an animal identifying and supporting their own discomfort. When invited, he calmly accepted topical application, even adjusting his body to allow gentle access to the area, before settling into deep relaxation.

Emotionally, Rodney gravitated towards grounding and reassuring oils including frankincense, vetiver and violet leaf. These oils are frequently chosen by dogs who feel overwhelmed or over-anticipate situations, and Rodney’s response was unmistakable. He lay close by, inhaling deeply for several minutes, his body softening as he processed the support. By the end of the session, his demeanour had shifted noticeably — relaxed, affectionate and visibly more at ease.

After the session, Rodney remained calm, content and in high spirits, enjoying closeness with everyone present. His ability to clearly accept or reject different botanicals and oils showed just how powerful and empowering self-selection can be when animals are given the space to choose.

Why This Matters

Rodney’s session beautifully demonstrates how zoopharmacognosy can support both physical comfort and emotional balance — especially for sensitive, reactive dogs. By allowing animals to guide their own healing, sessions can help release tension, reduce stress build-up and encourage calmer responses to everyday challenges.

Rodney responded exceptionally well and would benefit from ongoing sessions to continue supporting his emotional regulation and physical wellbeing. For guardians seeking a gentle, respectful and profoundly insightful way to help their dog feel more settled, comfortable and confident, a session like Rodney’s can be truly transformative.

If you’d like to explore how this approach could support your own dog, I’d love to welcome you to a session